Master of Science in Human Services

Description and Outcomes

The Master of Science in Human Services program is designed for professionals who are committed to improving the quality of life for all people in the growing field of human services in the twenty-first century. The curriculum prepares human services professionals for leadership positions and to become advocates for change. The curriculum focuses on the delivery of services, accessibility, the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions, as well as the planning, administration, and coordination of programs.

This program adheres to the curriculum standards of the Council of Standards in Human Service Education; however, it is not accredited by this agency.

Concentrations

You will select one of two concentrations: family and community services or organizational and social services. You will complete both core courses and concentration courses, which will provide a comprehensive education in theory and practice. You will work on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will assist you in meeting your personal and professional goals in the chosen specialization area.

The family and community services concentration addresses the complexities of the roles involved in developing and administering services for children and families. Emphasis on human development, resiliency, family theories, and advocacy will be the foundation of this program.

The organizational and social services concentration is designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills to work with diverse funding sources, influence policy, supervise staff, and to develop and administer programs and interventions that address the needs within communities.

In any of the concentrations, you may elect to complete an internship, which is an important component to help gain relevant skills and experience in the field. You should consult with an Education Advisor to determine how the internship option fits with your career goals.

Program Length

The Master of Science in Human Services consists of a minimum 45 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a master of science degree.

Program Outcomes

Knowledge Base: Examine broad organizational roles and functions, and various methods of advocacy.

Historical Impact: Explore the history of the human services profession, and the impact of past and present policies and legislation.

Theory: Apply appropriate strategies using a theoretical and philosophical framework built on values of the human services profession.

Research: Assess information related to service delivery, including data analysis, and the interpretation and evaluation of findings.

Values, Ethical Practices, and Self-Care: Evaluate personal expectations, values, ethics, and self-care strategies as they relate to professional practice.

Critical Thinking: Analyze scope of populations served and appropriate methods of service delivery based on individual needs.

Professional Competencies

In addition to the discipline-specific outcomes, professional competencies are integrated throughout your academic program. You can review the professional competencies associated with your academic program in the graduate School of General Education section of this Catalog.

Program Availability

Policies

Policy information specific to the Master of Science in Human Services program is noted below.

Admissions Requirements

You must meet the below admissions requirements in addition to Kaplan University's general requirements.

If applying for admission, you must submit the following:

An unofficial transcript, submitted prior to enrollment, indicating receipt of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. By the end of the first term, you must provide the University with an official copy of the transcript. The unofficial and official transcripts must indicate a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above from all previous coursework. Refer to the First-Term Responsibilities section for additional information.

Accelerated Master of Science in Human Services Option

Students enrolled in one of the following programs have the option of completing the accelerated Master of Science in Human Services option while they earn their bachelor’s degree:

Bachelor of Science in Communication

Bachelor of Science in Corrections

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management

Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management

Bachelor of Science in Fire Science

Bachelor of Science in Human Services

Bachelor of Science in Human Services in Youth/Family Services and Administration

Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services

Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions

Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis

Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

If you are a graduate of one of the above-listed programs, are granted admission to the Master of Science in Human Services program, and meet the requirements for the accelerated option, you will have the following courses transferred in and will matriculate into a shortened version of the master's degree program:

Progression Requirements

The grade of "C" is the minimum acceptable grade for courses in the Master of Science in Human Services program. If you earn a grade of "F" in a course, you must immediately retake the course. You may only take a course twice and must earn the required grade of "C" or higher. Failure to earn the required grade will result in dismissal from Kaplan University after the second attempt.

Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams

You are responsible for understanding the requirements of certification, state board, or national board licensing exams. Such requirements may change during the course of your program. You are not automatically certified in any way upon program completion. Although certain programs are designed to prepare you to take various certification and licensing exams, Kaplan University cannot guarantee you will be eligible to take these exams or become certified. Your eligibility may depend on your work experience, completion of education and/or degree requirements, not having a criminal record, meeting other licensure or certification requirements, or the program or the University itself having appropriate accreditation or licensure.

The Master of Science in Human Services program is a member of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE); however, it is not accredited by this agency.

The program is designed to prepare you academically to pursue a variety of careers in the field or in related fields and to pursue advanced education. The coursework in this program fulfills the requirements to sit for the exam to become a Human Services—Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP™). Please note that you must meet post-degree experience requirements in order to earn the HS-BCP credential.